Shooting Outdoors

Murphy’s Law is still waiting to ambush you when you work outdoors so, no matter how sunny the forecast, always bring a couple of garbage bags to cover the camera in case it rains. When shooting for a long time in hot sunlight, a dark camera can absorb lots of heat which could damage the camera or the SD memory card. Cover the camera with an umbrella or other light-colored shade. If you’re shooting in the cold, batteries can die quickly. Bring extras and keep these extras warm by keeping them close to your body until they are needed.

If you bring a cold camera into a warm room, there will be a lot of wet condensation which forms on both the inside and outside on the camera and lens. This can prevent you from using the camera and can cause damage. To prevent these problems, put the camera in a plastic garbage bag while you are still outside. Close the garbage bag with a twist tie and then bring it indoors. Put the camera aside for about an hour and you will see the wet condensation form on the outside of the bag. When the camera has reached room temperature (in about an hour or so) you can safely remove the camera from the bag.

Shooting outdoors presents many challenges. These simple tips will help you stay out of trouble.